When it comes to ribs, finding the right side dishes can make all the difference. Whether you’re hosting a game-day gathering or treating yourself to a weekend BBQ, there’s no denying that ribs are a crowd-pleasing favorite.
In fact, many families have their own secret rib recipes that are carefully guarded. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing several families who put a lot of effort into perfecting their rib cooking techniques. It’s not uncommon for a family’s rib tradition to become a beloved ritual, with each member having their own special role in the process.
Creamy Ranch Mashed Potatoes
The journey begins with a beloved favorite: mashed potatoes. Their creamy texture and buttery flavor make them a crowd-pleaser. But we’re not stopping there – we’re taking it up a notch by adding a tangy twist: ranch seasoning. This delectable combination will effortlessly complement those fall-off-the-bone ribs, making it an excellent choice for side dishes.
Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges
The union of crispy potato wedges with a savory dipping sauce is a match made in heaven, especially when paired with sticky ribs – both are perfect finger foods. When it comes to flavor, don’t be afraid to get bold and challenge the natural sweetness of the potatoes with an abundance of spices. For the ultimate indulgence, take it to the next level by dipping them into a rich, creamy homemade dressing.
Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Indulge in the delightful taste of potatoes without the guilt of excess oil with these delectable air fryer potato wedges. For those who adore spuds but cringe at the thought of excessive grease, this recipe is a game-changer. The beauty of cooking with an air fryer lies in its simplicity – just set it and let the magic unfold, returning only when your culinary masterpiece is ready to be devoured.
DIY Seasoned Potato Chips
Elevate the humble potato chip with this easy-to-make DIY spice blend. The unique combination of earthy notes from the cumin, smoky depth from the paprika, and subtle sweetness creates a harmonious balance that will leave you wanting more. As soon as you take a bite, the warm, spicy flavor will hit your taste buds, making these chips a standout snack.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
The star of the show might just be this casserole, boasting a mouthwatering combination of cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and pungent chives on top. Meanwhile, a surprising ingredient in the potato mix – a dollop of sour cream – lends these creamy delights an irresistible balance of tanginess, making them an ideal accompaniment to your main course.
Cheesy Swiss Chard Potato Casserole
For a healthier twist on traditional potato casserole, look no further than the humble Swiss chard. This leafy green powerhouse is bursting with antioxidants and pairs perfectly with melted cheese, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and nutritious. The chunkier texture of this recipe also holds its own against the rich flavors of slow-cooked ribs, making it an excellent accompaniment to your favorite comfort food.
Roasted Curry Sweet Potatoes
In this recipe, tender sweet potatoes are transformed with bold spices that beautifully complement the hearty flavors of rib meat. The natural sweetness of the potatoes serves as a delightful counterpoint to the warm, aromatic spices. What’s more, this spice blend is versatile and can elevate a variety of root vegetables – feel free to experiment with your own favorite options.
Sweet Potato Mash
Sweet and sticky ribs are often paired with sweet potato mash for good reason – the two flavors complement each other beautifully. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes is enhanced by a subtle richness that comes from the buttery undertones. This harmonious blend has me wondering why we don’t typically serve these two dishes together more often. While the sweetness of the ribs provides an obvious contrast to the savory flavor of the meat, it’s the subtle depth and warmth of the mashed sweet potatoes that really elevates the combination.
Baby Potatoes in Garlic Butter
While it’s true that simplicity can often be a winning approach, don’t underestimate the impact of these delectable baby potatoes. Despite their humble appearance, they’re actually bursting with flavor thanks to a harmonious blend of garlic butter, sautéed onions, and fragrant fresh dill. One of the best things about this recipe is its ease of preparation – you can quickly scale it up to feed a crowd without much fuss.
Twice Baked Potatoes
The allure of twice-baked potatoes lies in their masterful blend of textures and flavors. The velvety interior of the potato, paired with the satisfying crunch of the skin, creates a delightful sensory experience. But it’s the harmonious marriage between the potato’s natural sweetness and its classic accompaniment, cheese, that truly elevates this dish. For added depth, consider incorporating an assortment of vegetables or a custom spice blend to create a unique flavor profile.
Potato Salad with Dill
A delectable cold potato salad pairs perfectly with warm, sticky ribs, serving as a satisfying conclusion to a meal. This side dish also boasts the added benefit of being easily prepared ahead of time. In fact, allowing the potato to meld with other flavors in the refrigerator for an extended period will only enhance its taste. I highly recommend making it a day or two in advance to reap the rewards.
Honeydew Cucumber Salad
The Honeydew Cucumber salad masterfully showcases the harmonious union of crunchy cucumbers and refreshing honeydew melon, as if they were destined to be paired together. To elevate this delightful side dish, a drizzle of honey and olive oil brings forth a subtle, rounded sweetness, while the addition of thinly sliced red onion adds a pop of color and a touch of pungency, balancing out the flavors in perfect harmony.
No Mayo Coleslaw
The No-Mayo Coleslaw recipe has become a staple in my household during the sweltering summer months. Its refreshing twist on traditional coleslaw is an absolute crowd-pleaser, effortlessly catering to the entire family’s cravings. What truly sets this dish apart, however, is its clever substitution of Greek yoghurt for mayo – a subtle yet game-changing modification that will leave you wondering how you ever managed without it.
Purple Cabbage and Carrot Slaw
What sets this coleslaw apart is its vibrant color palette, which is largely due to a clever combination of ingredients. The key to its success lies in the addition of mustard to the traditional mayonnaise base, allowing the earthy flavors of the vegetables to shine through and creating a taste experience that’s hard to stop at just one serving. For an even healthier twist, consider substituting Greek yoghurt for mayonnaise, adding a creamy texture while reducing the overall calorie count.
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
Raw sprouts offer an excellent starting point for crafting a memorable salad. Their satisfying crunch and earthy undertones create the perfect canvas for layering flavors. To elevate this foundation, consider combining the sprouts with sweet and tangy elements like craisins, crisp apples, and buttery pears. A rich and creamy dressing will further enhance the experience, resulting in a salad that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
Healthy Cornbread
By incorporating whole wheat flour into your bread-making process, you’re essentially boosting its fiber content, making it a more nutritious option. Additionally, the reduced butter content contributes to a healthier alternative that’s gentle on the heart. To make this recipe even more convenient, consider doubling the ingredients and storing the resulting batch in the fridge for later use. This way, you can enjoy your bread up to five days after preparation, without having to spend too much time in the kitchen.
Broccoli Salad
Exploring textures is at the heart of this recipe, where raw broccoli harmonizes with the satisfying crunch of sunflower seeds and crispy bacon. The result is a refreshing salad that will delightfully cleanse your palate between bites of rich rib. Additionally, these flavors can also be served as a side dish to pair with a savory steak.
Roasted Maple Carrots with Stracciatella Cheese
When it comes to pairing flavors, one cheese that stands out in my mind is Stracciatella – a rich and buttery delight that’s perfectly balanced by the natural sweetness of carrots. But what really elevates this combination is the addition of maple syrup, which brings an added depth and complexity to the dish. And if you want to take it to the next level, a sprinkle of orange zest adds just the right amount of brightness and contrast, making for a truly unforgettable taste experience.
Vegan Zucchini Fries
Indulge in the crispy delight of vegan zucchini fries, free from unhealthy oils and starches. The satisfying crunch of each bite is achieved through a clever coating process, infused with a subtle spice blend that elevates the flavor profile from dull to tantalizing. For an added layer of indulgence, serve with a rich aioli for a match made in heaven.
Sweet Potato Beet Salad with Feta
The salad brings together two sweet root vegetables, creating an earthy sweetness that complements the smoky flavor of the caramelized elements. This harmonious combination perfectly pairs with the ribs, while the addition of light feta and leafy greens adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
Grilled Caesar Salad
Indulge in a refined take on the classic Caesar salad, where charred romaine lettuce meets rich, tangy dressing and satisfying croutons. The simplicity of this dish is elevated by the ability to add personal touches, ensuring each bite is tailored to your taste preferences. To truly unlock its flavors, serve with an assortment of fresh herbs for a delightful culinary experience.
Sauteed Asparagus with Mushrooms
Asparagus and mushrooms combine in perfect harmony, delivering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that elevates any meal. When served alongside ribs, this side dish proves robust enough to hold its own against the bold meat flavors. For an added layer of crunch, sprinkle crispy shallots on top, creating a truly irresistible combination.
Slow Cooker Garlicky Herbed Cauliflower Mash
Cauliflower stands out as an exceptional alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, boasting a similar mild, slightly starchy taste profile without the accompanying carbohydrate load. This versatile ingredient is just as delightful topped with cheese or enjoyed on its own, offering a flavorful experience regardless of preparation. When it comes to elevating this dish, a garlic and herb-infused recipe truly shines, while vegetable broth adds an unparalleled depth of flavor that sets this cauliflower creation apart.
Zucchini in Air Fryer
Crafting Air Fryer Zucchini is a breeze. To start, slice the zucchini into either fry-like strips or round pieces reminiscent of potato chips. This straightforward recipe relies on basic seasonings, but I strongly encourage experimenting with unique spice blends to elevate the flavor profile. Pair your creations with a tangy homemade ranch dressing or a refreshing Greek yoghurt dip for a delightful snacking experience.
Sauteed Radishes
Radishes, often overlooked as a simple crunchy snack, possess a unique characteristic that sets them apart from other vegetables: their natural sugars caramelize and tenderize when cooked, much like potatoes. When paired with rich butter, fragrant herbs, and a pinch of salt, the resulting flavor profile is so convincing that you might just bid farewell to spuds for good. The beauty of this approach lies not only in its keto-friendliness but also in its versatility – it’s an effortless way to revamp classic potato dishes, making them fresh and exciting again.
Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings
To create these scrumptious low-carb onion rings, we utilize a unique breading component – crushed-up pork rinds. It’s essential to allow at least four hours for the onion rings to fully freeze prior to air frying. This prolonged freezing period enables them to maintain their shape and texture during cooking. Moreover, this recipe makes an outstanding accompaniment to grilled or pan-seared pork chops.
Sauteed Mushrooms in Garlic Butter
Mushrooms are a treasure trove of natural flavor, requiring only a subtle enhancement to truly shine. Garlic butter provides just that, elevating their earthy taste to new heights. This delectable side dish pairs perfectly with ribs, as both warm, hearty, and rich in flavor, creating a match made in culinary heaven.
Classic Macaroni Salad
The star of this macaroni salad is its rich creaminess, which beautifully complements a satisfying meat main course. The secret to an exceptional version of this classic dish? A dressing that’s expertly balanced and bursting with flavor, courtesy of a harmonious blend of spices, vinegar, and the unmistakable tang of ranch seasoning.
Spicy Coleslaw
Transforming leftover vegetables into a mouth-watering delight, this spicy coleslaw recipe is a game-changer. The secret ingredient that takes it to the next level is a dash of green Tabasco hot sauce, which adds an unparalleled kick. Feel free to adjust the level of heat to your liking, allowing you to personalize the flavor profile and create a truly unique culinary experience.
Mac and Cheese Muffins
For a family-friendly twist, consider involving your little ones in the process of crafting these creamy macaroni and cheese muffins. A key component to their success is generous use of melted cheese – this golden goodness not only adds flavor but also serves as a binding agent, helping to hold the pasta in place.
BBQ Creamed Corn
What makes this recipe exceptional is its versatility – it’s perfect for cooks of any level, regardless of the cooking vessel they prefer. Whether using a crock pot, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, this side dish boasts an impressive balance of simplicity and flavor. The best part? Simply set it and forget it, freeing you up to focus on grilling while letting your culinary creation simmer away.
Scalloped Corn
This scrumptious scalloped corn bake strikes a harmonious balance between sweet and savory notes, thanks to its foundation in fresh corn and rich sauce. What sets this recipe apart is its substitution of cornflakes for traditional saltine crackers. This clever swap not only saves on sodium but also introduces a delightful textural element, as the cornflakes impart a satisfying crunch that complements the dish without overpowering it.
Crispy Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Indulge in a mouthwatering medley of flavors by transforming humble Brussels sprouts into a decadent delight. By topping them with crispy bacon and melted cheese, you’ll create a dish that’s as effortless to prepare as it is irresistible to devour. The versatility of Brussels sprouts allows them to soak up the rich notes of caramelized sweetness, savory bacon, and tangy balsamic vinegar. Take it to the next level by serving with freshly grated Parmesan for an unparalleled taste experience.
Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts
Indulge in these scrumptious treats that require only five ingredients and a single baking sheet to prepare. The simplicity belies their impressive ability to elevate the overall flavor profile of your meal, particularly when served alongside ribs. To add an extra layer of creaminess, consider having ranch or aioli on hand for a delightful contrast.
Creamy Garlic Roasted Parsnip Puree
Indulge in the rich flavors of this creamy roasted parsnip puree, subtly infused with garlic notes that will tantalize your taste buds. This versatile base is a game-changer for any rib sauce recipe, whether you opt for spicy, sticky, or sweet variations. The best part? You can prepare it ahead of time and reheat when needed, allowing you to focus on perfecting the rest of your dish.
BBQ Braised Cabbage with Bacon
The humble cabbage gets a flavorful boost when braised in a mixture featuring the trifecta of bacon, barbecue sauce, and chicken broth. This side dish packs a punch, transforming the veggie into a culinary delight that’s almost too good to be true – yet it’s still packed with nutrients. The end result is a taste sensation that will leave you wondering how such simplicity can yield such complexity.
Apple Slaw
Elevate your meals with the harmonious combination of sweet and refreshing flavors in this delectable apple slaw, an outstanding choice as a side dish option. What’s more, its effortless preparation and quick cooking time make it a perfect addition to any meal, including rich and savory rib dishes. The delightful balance of textures and tastes is sure to tantalize your palate.
Corn Riblets with Smoky Dipping Sauce
When it comes to pairing with ribs, few side dishes can match the allure of these sweet, crunchy, and smokily flavored delights. What’s more, despite their depth of flavor, they’re surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you choose to serve them with a tangy dipping sauce or use them to mop up the savory rib sauce, these bite-sized morsels are sure to impress.
Savory Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread Pudding
A creative twist on the classic bread and butter pudding, this savory delight substitutes sweetness for a bold cheese flavor and a kick of spice. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a hearty plate of ribs, offering a rich and satisfying contrast to the smoky meats.
Orzo Mac and Cheese
In this recipe, we’re swapping out the traditional elbow macaroni for orzo, a tiny pasta shape that’s nearly the size of rice grains. This subtle change results in a creamy, velvety texture that coats each bite with ease. To add some satisfying crunch to the dish, simply top it all off with some crispy bacon.
Ranch Pasta Salad
When it comes to this cold salad, its greatest strengths are its ability to be prepared in advance and its versatility as a side dish that pairs well with numerous meat-based main courses. While store-bought ranch dressing can be used, I highly suggest creating your own from scratch – the added complexity of flavors will undoubtedly elevate this salad above others.
